Restaurant news: Mother's Day options, graduations and dining, Restaurant Week NH and more

The May session of Learn to Drink Like A Pro at the Delaney House in Holyoke will be focusing on Patron Tequila, offering a Tex Mex-inspired menu paired with samplings of Patron tequilas.

This particular evening will be a station-style event, with one location dispensing chop chop salad and a black bean and roasted corn soup.

A second buffet will offer a build-your-own fajita experience based on Cajun catfish and shrimp or citrus chicken, while a third station will feature burritos fashioned from BBQ pork or grilled steak.

A dessert display will be stocked with flan, tres leche, and margarita cup cakes.
The price for dinner is $35; tickets may be purchased online at logcabin-delaney.com or by calling (413) 535-5077.

Over the upcoming weekend (May 9-11) the Amherst-Northampton area will host thousands of graduates and family members attending Commencement-related events at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

The evening of May 10, when the undergraduate commencement is held, will be a particularly busy one for restaurants in central Hampshire County. Traffic congestion across the region may also approach gridlock proportions both before and after the celebration.

It’s probably a good idea to plan accordingly. Reservations will be a wise precaution in the weeks ahead as area colleges and private schools wrap up their academic years.

Of course, some may want to seek dinner options elsewhere, as restaurants in Greater Springfield and Greenfield will be less likely to be inundated with commencement-related business.

While Mother's Day, May 12, will be a day with plenty of dining out options, the portfolio of restaurant options at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT will be presented a stellar assortment of treats for Mom on her special day.

Those looking a "high-end" experience can enjoy special menus at Todd English's Tuscany, where a buffet brunch and an assortment of prix fixe dinner specials will be served.

BALLO Italian Restaurant and Social Club will augment its Italian-themed dining experience with several menu specials, and Hash House A Go Go will be dishing up its own brand of country-hipster brunch. More information on dining at Mohegan Sun can be found at the casino-resort's website, mohegansun.com.

If an upcoming day trip will be taking you to New Hampshire, be aware that the Granite State's restaurant and lodging association is sponsoring its second annual Restaurant Week NH.

The eight-day event runs from May 17 through 24 and features restaurants from across the state offering special prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner.

Last year's inaugural "week" featured over 150 participating restaurants from New Hampshire's Seacoast region up into the White Mountains.

Special lodging rates at various hotel properties across the state also make it possible to put together a weekend-long foodie vacation. More information about Restaurant Week NH can be found at restaurantweeknh.com

The Log Cabin Banquet and Meetinghouse in Holyoke will be hosting the V-One Cup 2013 competition on May 16.

An event that brings together top bartenders from ten of the region's best-known bars and restaurants, the V-One Cup challenges competitors to concoct a winning cocktail creation that uses V-One Vodka. In addition to bragging rights, the winning mixologist gets a $300 prize.

The general public is invited to attend the competition, and the $25 ticket price includes both food stations and the opportunity to enjoy beverage samples.

Proceeds from the evening support Valley Technology Outreach, an organization that recycles and refurbishes used computers and technology equipment for distribution to local non-profits. For more details, contact the Log Cabin Banquet and Meetinghouse at (413) 535-5077.

Burger King Corp. has been making news over the past several weeks with an announcement that the chain is expanding its home delivery service.

Previously limited to test markets in four metropolitan areas, the service will roll out over the next several months in more than 60 additional restaurant locations.

Before developing the original delivery test program, the company created packaging materials designed to maintain product quality during delivery.

Burger customers that want to see delivery in their neighborhood can go to BKDelivers.com and enter their Zip code and e-mail address.

Delivery orders, which must total at least $10, can be placed by phone or website.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College's hospitality and culinary arts program and has over 35 years of restaurant and educational experience. Please send items of interest to Off the Menu at the Republican, P.O. Box 2350, Springfield, MA 01102; Robert can also be reached at <a href="mailto:OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com">OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com